Zopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic that is prescribed for the treatment of sleep disturbances. It can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
It is a habit-forming drug and should be taken only as directed by your doctor. It should not be used for more than 7 to 10 days at a time.
What is Zopiclone?
Zopiclone (Zimovane) is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia. It works by quieting the whole brain’s activity level, reducing anxiety and sedating your body so that you fall asleep easily.
It also helps you stay asleep longer. But taking zopiclone for long periods can cause many problems, including dependence.
This can occur if you take it with other medicines, alcohol or other drugs for mental health issues. It can also make you sleepwalk or do other unusual things while you’re asleep, like making a phone call or eating food.
It’s very important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. They will tell you how much to take, when and how often to take it. They may also ask you to read their patient information leaflet (PIL).
How is Zopiclone prescribed?
Zopiclone is prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia (sleeping problems). It’s a’short-acting hypnotic’ meaning that it quickly goes out of the body.
It works by blocking excitatory neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin and acetylcholine. These are important for memory, muscle movement, alertness, emotional regulation and hormonal secretions.
A high dose of zopiclone can cause changes to the brain’s activity level and lead to a variety of health problems, including anxiety, depression and a range of withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it, Check out the post right here.
If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before taking zopiclone because it can pass into breast milk and could affect your baby.
People who are dependent on zopiclone can develop an addiction. This is more likely when the drug is taken at higher than prescribed doses, in people with a history of drug or alcohol abuse and in those with mental health problems such as depression. Fortunately, it’s possible to overcome an addiction with the right support.
How long does Zopiclone stay in your system?
Zopiclone is a short-acting hypnotic (a medicine that makes you sleepy) and is usually taken to treat sleeping problems such as insomnia. It is only prescribed for short-term use (up to 4 weeks) to limit your body’s tolerance to the drug and prevent you becoming dependent on it.
It works by increasing the activity of a chemical messenger called GABA in your brain. This helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
However, it can cause side effects such as confusion, memory loss and full-day drowsiness. It can also be a risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding as it may pass into your baby’s milk.
During pregnancy, you should not take this medication without first talking to your doctor. It can cause breathing complications in your baby and may increase the risk of cleft lip or palate (harelip). If you stop taking it suddenly, you could get withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness and headaches.
What are the possible side effects of Zopiclone?
Zopiclone boosts the effectiveness of a chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This chemical helps you to relax and sleep more easily.
It also stops you from waking up during the night, which can help you feel better in the morning. However, zopiclone is not suitable for everyone. It can have serious side effects if taken for a long time or with other medicines.
Your doctor will tell you how much zopiclone to take and when. You will also be given a patient information leaflet (PIL) that is in the package of your medicine.
Elderly adults: It is often recommended that you start off taking a lower dose of zopiclone (half a tablet) to reduce your risk of falls and other side effects. Higher doses may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
Summary:
Taking zopiclone with other medicines, including opioids such as codeine, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, pethidine or tramadol, increases the risk of drowsiness and difficulties breathing. These side effects can be dangerous and life threatening.